Bugoloobi, Kampala – August 16, 2025
NEC FC is delighted to confirm that Joseph Dhata, our dynamic South Sudanese right-back, has signed a new three-year contract, extending his stay with the club until June 30, 2028. The 22-year-old defender, who returned to NEC FC after a six-month stint at Blacks Power in the FUFA Big League, is set to be a cornerstone of our 2025/2026 campaign, with numerous tournaments coming in, from the FUFA Super, the Super Cup, Stanbic Uganda Cup where he previously made history, StarTimes UPL and our historic CAF Confederation Cup debut against Nairobi United on September 19–21 and 26–28, 2025.
Early Career
Born on September 5, 2002, in Yei, South Sudan, Joseph Dhata’s football journey began in the youth setups of South Sudan, and later in the numerous tournaments in Uganda where his pace and versatility as a right-back earned early recognition. He joined Vipers SC in the 2020/21 UPL season, making 9 appearances and gaining valuable top-flight experience at age 18. In 2022/23, Dhata moved to Express FC, featuring in 16 matches and demonstrating his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively with precise crosses and occasional goals. His performances marked him as one of Uganda’s rising stars.
First Spell at NEC FC (2023–2024)
Dhata signed with us in July and later unveiled in September 2023, immediately establishing himself as a key figure in our ascent to inaugural season to top flight football finishing 6th in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. During the 2023/24 season, he scored six goals in the StarTimes UPL, and added six more including a memorable hattrick against Acholi United in the StanBic Uganda Cup, finishing as the competition’s top scorer. His attacking flair from the right flank, combined with defensive solidity, made him a fan favorite. However, injuries curtailed his participation in the 2024/25 season, limiting his impact and prompting a strategic move to support his recovery.
Move to Blacks Power (January–June 2025)
In January 2025, NEC FC arranged a six-month sale to Blacks Power in the FUFA Big League to provide Dhata with a focused environment to regain full fitness. Despite his commitment to rehabilitation in Lira, ongoing recovery challenges prevented him from playing competitive matches during this period. As the medical team that kept monitoring continued to advise, he was maintained on a well planned training and executed with utmost professionalism during this time resiliently.
Return and New Contract
As the 2025 preseason opened, a fully recovered Dhata returned to NEC FC, to negotiate a new deal and was sealed, signing a two-year extension reflecting our confidence in his ability to drive our ambitions. The versatile defender, who has earned 4 caps for South Sudan, including a goal in a 1-1 draw against Sao Tome and Principe in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, brings leadership and experience to a squad bolstered. His return strengthens our right flank as we prepare for the StarTimesUPL title chase and CAF Confederation Cup and other tournaments.